The baseball field at Memorial Drive United Methodist Church was alive with cheers, laughter, and the crack of the bat as children from the MDUMC special needs ministry took the field for the church’s first-ever Game Changers baseball event.
Lee Moffett, co-coordinator of MDUMC Special Needs Ministry, had the vision for Game Changers several years ago and to see it all come to fruition was truly a dream come true for her. Moffett said, “Here at MDUMC, we celebrate everyone with all abilities, and this is a place for everyone.”
Baseball Game Make Children Feel Part of the Community
Children ages 4 to 13, each paired with a buddy, experienced the joy of playing baseball while being celebrated for who they are. More than 50 volunteers—ranging from middle school students to adults—spent the day helping kids swing, run the bases, and making them feel special for who they are. Game Changers is a chance for the kids to be part of a community.
“Today was not just about baseball, but about our kids shining, being loved, and being celebrated for all their uniqueness,” Moffett added.
For Cindy Mood, the day was especially meaningful for her son, Cyrus—known affectionately by his nickname, Zippy. Born with arthrogryposis, a rare condition affecting his muscles and joints, Zippy doesn’t always get to participate in activities like his peers. Thanks to Game Changers, Zippy not only felt included, but he was also able to thrive.
“As a special needs parent, you know your child is special, but the world doesn’t always see it the way you do,” Cindy said. “The beautiful thing is that MDUMC recognizes that special needs individuals are more than perfect and that all children are created beautifully.”
Arie Drog’s family also shared their excitement about his participation in the game. “It’s so fun to watch him and all the other kids play,” said Arie’s sister Eden. “Including kids with special needs and making them feel so loved—it’s just awesome.”
Creating Opportunities to Be Inclusive
Arie’s father, Daniel, reflected on the bigger picture. “This program has given Arie opportunities to participate in sports and feel loved by the church,” he said. “It’s evidence of the gospel—loving everyone, including kids with special needs and their families.”
As the Special Needs Ministry at MDUMC continues to grow, Game Changers adds another dimension, creating a joyful space where children can be seen, celebrated, and truly feel a sense of community. “Watching the kids smile as they ran the bases, hearing their names announced, and seeing families cheering—that was everything,” Moffett said.
Game Changers may have lasted only one afternoon, but its impact will linger. Families left with memories of their children’s names cheered from the stands, the pride of playing alongside buddies, and the assurance of being part of a community that values them.
From the dugout to the stands, the message was clear: Game Changers is about more than baseball. It’s about community, belonging and witnessing the sacred worth in all of Gods beloved children.
Your Generosity Helps Others
By supporting your local congregation’s outreach ministries, you impact lives of your surrounding communities and those around the world. No matter what part of the world we live in, your generosity can reach across oceans and help churches like Memorial Drive United Methodist Church help those that are sometimes excluded in activities.
story by Troy Griffin
This story represents how United Methodist local churches through their Annual Conferences are living as Vital Congregations. The overarching purpose of The United Methodist Church is to "make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world." A vital congregation is one that is effectively engaged in this mission. Together, we become a powerful force for healing, growth, and transformation—living out the Gospel in every corner of the globe.
